Jean-Christophe Novelli reveals eight-month-old son is free of cancer after undergoing gruelling treatment

The pair spoke to Hello! magazine about the heart-breaking months before they were finally able to bring their little boy home from hospital.

"His only communication was his sad expression and tears," said Novelli, 56. "If I could have swapped places with him, I would have done it like a shot."

Speaking about his efforts to stay strong for his family - which includes Valentino's older brothers Jean, eight, and Jacques, four - he continued: "What was happening to our baby made me think about my life.

"I had everything I'd ever wanted: a family I love, a job I adore, my own cookery academy and a home in the best country in the world to me, the place of my childhood dreams.

"But suddenly, I was faced with the worst situation possible: my youngest child's life was at stake.

"In my prayers I asked God, 'What are you doing? What's going to happen?' But I didn't get an answer for a long time."

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